A CRACKDOWN on binge drinking and anti-social behaviour will see time called on Happy Hour promotions across the city.

The British Beer and Pub Association says cheap alcohol sales, including drinking games, will be banned by its 32,000 members nationally.

But Brum already appears to be leading the way with none of bars we contacted in the city centre running the promotions.

The move is aimed at cutting the cost of excessive drinking in British pubs, which the Government claims sets the country back £20 billion a year.

At present, UK pubs alone invest more than £60 million in door staff, CCTV and general customer security every year.

Mark Hastings, spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association, said that cheap time limited alcohol deals which encourage rapid drinking had "no place in the industry".

"We're determined to stamp them out," he said. "With the backing of the Government, police and licensing authorities we aim to ensure that all pubs operate to standards of corporate and community social responsibility."

It is understood that all pubs owned by Carlsberg, Heineken, Scottish & Newcastle, Youngs, Theakston and Diageo are joining the campaign. The All Bar One, Slug & Lettuce and Pitcher & Piano groups are also taking part.

The association has called for a ban on all Happy Hour promotions, including a £10 drink-all-you-can fee at the door.

A Home Office spokesman said the Government continued to support schemes to end "speed drinking".

"The Government supports the drinks industry in working towards ending promotions which encourage speed drinking," he said.